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Murphy, Napoli listed on All-Star ballot

Murphy, Napoli listed on All-Star ballot

David Murphy

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DETROIT -- The All-Star ballot was released on Thursday and there are two changes for the Rangers from last year. David Murphy is on the ballot as one of the Rangers' three outfielders and Mike Napoli is on there as the Rangers catcher. Yorvit Torrealba had that honor last year.

Napoli and Murphy said they have both been on the ballot just once before in their careers.

Napoli might have a serious shot at being the first Rangers catcher to start in an All-Star Game since Ivan Rodriguez in 2001. Napoli, going into Thursday, has played in 123 games since the start of the 2011 season and was hitting .316 with 34 home runs, 86 RBIs, a .411 on-base percentage and a .634 slugging percentage.

The American League All-Star catchers last year were Russell Martin of the Yankees, Alex Avila of the Tigers and Matt Wieters of the Orioles. Twins catcher Joe Mauer did not go last year, but has played in four All-Star Games.

"It would mean a lot, but I would want to earn it," Napoli said. "I definitely feel I have a shot, but I'll take it one day at a time. If it happens, it happens."